Researchers at UK based DataSlide have reportedly invented the layer between current hard disks and solid state disks, which they have dubbed “Hard Rectangular Drive” or HRD. The developer claims the three component technology has the potential to achieve 500MB/s data transfer rate.

In terms of technology, the HRD carries as “double-sided platter” of magnetic material, which is sandwiched between two laminate heads to from the three primary components. The laminate sheets are the read-write heads of the device. This middle layer is again sandwiched between three sets above and below. All of these layers have been created using the same technology as is used in making silicon chips.

The millions of read-write heads on these two outer layers are aligned to a grid; each of these heads can be controlled by passing a signal along the corresponding column and row of the grid. The actual movement to the designated sector is however, controlled by the magnetic middle layer that moves horizontally. This movement allows the stationary heads above and below to read that particular sector.

Each layer currently features 64 heads that can read and write simultaneously. DataSlide is working towards achieving 160,000 random read/write IOPs, which should give the HRDs a 500MB/s transfer rate. This would be far superior to all current HDDs and SSDs. With just 4W of power required for operation, HRDs would also be much more energy efficient than HDDs and SSDs.

Having already completed the testing phase, DataSlide is now attempting to translate the technology into commercial production and is in talks with storage manufacturers and other companies for licensing it out.